The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook

Join Peter Pan, Smee, Tinker Bell and Ethyl Mermaid on a brand-new swashbuckling adventure, full of fun, laughter… and crocodiles at the Anvil in Basingstoke this Christmas.

Panto season is about to begin, and we are very excited to be invited back to The Anvil to see the show this December. It is showing from Friday 8th December 2023 – Sunday 31st December 2023.

The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Hook stars Melanie Walters, best known for her role as Gwen in BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey. Melanie takes the joint role of Mrs Darling and also Ethyl Mermaid! Melanie is also known to younger viewers as Gran in CBeebies ‘Biff and Chip’.

Milkshake! (Channel 5) presenter David Ribi will be playing Peter Pan. As well as appearing on Channel 5’s hit kids show, David has performed on the West End stage and in numerous touring productions.

The ever-comical Chris Pizzey – best known as Mr Stephen in the CBBC series Basil Brush, is back by popular demand. He will be playing the part of Smee and will direct the production.

Holly Atterton, from kids’ channel Nickelodeon will be Tinker Bell. While actor, writer, musician and grower of marvellous facial hair, Chris Fearn, will be taking on the role of Captain Hook. So watch out…he might be behind you!

As the cast are getting excited to perform on stage, I asked them a few questions – all about being in panto and getting into the festive spirit. Here is what they had to say!

Interview with the cast of The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Hook

Holly Atterton – Tinkerbell

Panto season has come around again. Are you excited to be part of it?
Absolutely! It’s my favourite time of year. And so lovely to be in Basingstoke this year – I’ve heard the Anvil audiences are amazing!

Tell us about your character. Will we be expecting comedy, action, one-liners or something a little more sinister?
Tink is a cheeky little fairy but she’s brave and has a good heart, and she will do anything for her best friend Peter Pan. She’s also come a long way since the old Neverland days, as she’s now the leader of a whole gang of fairies!

Can you give away any spoilers – is there anything to watch out for? 
I’d definitely keep an eye out for a terrifying and dangerous crocodile….with some rather smooth dance moves!

What is your favourite Christmas tradition?
I love decorating the tree, with festive snacks and Christmas songs on the radio. In recent years when I’ve been away for panto I haven’t been able to do this as much, but it’s always so lovely when I do and it feels so nostalgic.

Will you be doing any Christmas shopping whilst in Basingstoke? Will there be any specific shops you’ll be checking out in Festival Place?
I’ve not yet been but I’m very excited to explore!

And finally – Yorkshire pudding on Christmas dinner. Yes or no?
A million percent yes!

David Ribi – Peter Pan

Panto season has come around again. Are you excited to be part of it?
Of course! It’s the most magical Time of the year!

Tell us about your character. Will we be expecting comedy, action, one-liners or something a little more sinister?
Peter has a real journey to go on in this show! Expect singing, dancing, sword fighting, making new friends, and of course a whole lot of flying!

Can you give away any spoilers – is there anything to watch out for?
If I were you I’d watch out for that Pesky Captain Hook. Tinkerbell keeps telling me that she thinks he’s come back to seek his revenge on me, but I don’t believe her. I’m sure everything’s fine…

What is your favourite Christmas tradition?
Panto of course!

Will you be doing any Christmas shopping whilst in Basingstoke? Will there be any specific shops you’ll be checking out in Festival Place?
I’ll have to let you know once I get there! I’m sure there’s plenty to explore 🙂

And finally – Yorkshire pudding on Christmas dinner. Yes or no?
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes.

Chris Fearn – Captain Hook

Panto season has come around again. Are you excited to be part of it?
I LOVE panto! Which is mad really, because I’ve been around treading boards for a little while, but only been part of the panto landscape for a few years. I didn’t know what I was missing! And yes, I’m especially thrilled this year, because I have finally skipped across from sidekick stint to my villain era. Although this probably signals that I now have enough wrinkles to be believably scary, it also means that I get to brush off my evil laugh.

Tell us about your character. Will we be expecting comedy, action, one-liners or something a little more sinister?
Captain James Hook has had many personalities over the years, so I’ve got loads of inspiration to choose from. I think my favourite pirate performances are Dustin Hoffman in Hook and Tim Curry in Muppet Treasure Island… so, those being my favourites, expect high camp, a little madness, and plenty of swashbuckling.

Can you give away any spoilers – is there anything to watch out for?
Well, what I will say is that this version of Peter Pan is not like any you will have seen before. It’s a sequel, so get ready for a brand new Neverland Adventure full of unexpected twists. Peter makes new friend, Smee turns out to be pretty crafty, and Hook is even more evil than he was before!

What is your favourite Christmas tradition?
Christmas is all about food for me. My favourite thing to do at Christmas is cook. Honestly, I can do without gifts as long as I get to make dinner. I love being in the kitchen, with some music on, a glass of wine on the go, just chopping veg, roasting potatoes, and… as I’m pescatarian… curing a salmon. People come in and out, chatting, eating crisps and offering to help (which I promptly turn down, because I HAVE A SYSTEM). Then I serve up and refuse to take compliments.

Will you be doing any Christmas shopping whilst in Basingstoke? Will there be any specific shops you’ll be checking out in Festival Place?
There are two shops which will absolutely be getting some of my money this Christmas. Mr. Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe stocks long lost cans of fizzy pop, which I will load up on before Christmas day. I’ll also be hitting up Waterstones, because books are brilliant, and the smell of a bookshop is in my top five smells of all time (alongside freshly baked bread, coffee, the air just before it rains, and the demise of my enemies.)

And finally – Yorkshire pudding on Christmas dinner. Yes or no?
ONE HUNDRED PERCENT YES. Like… why would you deny the offer of a Yorkshire Pudding in any situation? I’d have it with tea. I’d have it with cheese melted on top. I’d wear one as a hat.

Chris Pizzey – Smee

Panto season has come around again. Are you excited to be part of it?
I can’t wait. I love coming back to Basingstoke and the Anvil every year. It’s like a home away from home now. The team at the Anvil are brilliant. Every year, everyone works so hard to deliver a first-rate production and this year will be the same. I feel very lucky to be the director and the comic in the show.

Tell us about your character. Will we be expecting comedy, action, one-liners or something a little more sinister?
Comedy Madness and Mayhem!!! This year I’m playing SMEE and it’s going to be one amazing ride. It’s so much fun playing one of the comedy roles. There will be lots of one liners and slapstick routines. This year I’m also planning an immersive experience for the audience so to find out more you will have to come along!!!

Can you give away any spoilers – is there anything to watch out for?
What I can tell you is we are very lucky with the cast this year. We have some truly WEST END level voices in this year’s production who will blow your socks off with some of the songs we are using this year! Also if you like Acrobatics… you might want to watch this years show!

What is your favourite Christmas tradition?
I love the tradition of pantomime at Christmas, but after all of the hard work doing two shows a day I love Christmas day itself. For me it’s all about family coming together around the table and reconnecting over some Turkey, a glass of wine, more turkey, Christmas pudding and of course… even more turkey. YEP I’M A FOODIE. I do the cooking in our house and I love it.

Will you be doing any Christmas shopping whilst in Basingstoke? Will there be any specific shops you’ll be checking out in Festival Place?

Every year I do my Christmas shopping in Festival Place. I’m a sucker for the Christmas market too. So many lovely presents and stocking fillers to be found there. Last year I bought some lovely birthstone silver jewellery which my daughters loved. Also, some great cheese which my dad was very happy to receive.

And finally – Yorkshire pudding on Christmas dinner. Yes or no?
Oh, come on!!!!!! Are you serious!! OF COURSE… BRING THE YORKSHIRES ON!! I’m sure there are some purists who wouldn’t add them to the feast, but for me… They are a yes every time. As long as they are home made. For me Mary Berry’s recipe is one of the best. See you at the pantomime x

Melanie Walters – Mrs Darling / The Mermaid

Panto season has come around again. Are you excited to be part of it?
I love doing pantomime. This will be my 12th. It is the ultimate family show. There’s something for everyone of all ages. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the festive season. Rest assured we have as much fun on stage as the audience does off!

Tell us about your character. Will we be expecting comedy, action, one-liners or something a little more sinister?
I promise that this one will be full of laughs, songs, great costumes, dancing and lots of action.

Can you give away any spoilers – is there anything to watch out for?
There may or may not be flying involved!

What is your favourite Christmas tradition?
Being with family .. I only ever manage to make it for Christmas Day due to the panto schedule but I always make it home.

Will you be doing any Christmas shopping whilst in Basingstoke? Will there be any specific shops you’ll be checking out in Festival Place?
All my Christmas shopping will be done in Basingstoke! I’m never organised enough to get presents sorted before we start rehearsal.. so keep an eye out for me in Festival Place.

And finally – Yorkshire pudding on Christmas dinner. Yes or no?
Never ever have Yorkshire pudding on a Christmas dinner plate!

 

Get your panto tickets!

Ticket prices vary depending on performances, and there are concessions along with group discounts. Visit the Anvil Arts website for full details or call the box office on 01256 844244.

There is a relaxed performance at 2pm on Tuesday 19 December, and a signed performance at 6pm on Tuesday 12th December.

Find The Anvil: Churchill Way, Basingstoke, Hampshire. RG21 7QR

 

 

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